Bio

Hello! I’m Dr. Lawrence D. Benson, PhD, MFA aka TheFlyyProfessa. I’m a philosopher|artist|educator specializing in Somaesthetics with emphasis on movement and creativity. I write creatively, scholarly, and personally about my experiences in and observations of the world. I make music and movement in good faith. I have over 30 years of experience in Health and Wellness including as a Certified Instructor in many class formats, Group Exercise Program Coordinator, and Group Exercise Trainer and Presenter. I’m also a Movement Expressionist|Dancer|Choreographer and I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t dancing. I learned to dance at Zenon Dance School in Minneapolis and focused on modern, hip hop, tap, and African dance. Watch me dance here, here, here and here.

Likewise, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing: to the radio, in church, in every level of school choir and opera|musical theater, in voice lessons, and to my original songs. I got my vocal roots from my Grandmom Louise, studied Voice at DePauw University and at TCVA (Twin Cities Vocal Arts) in Minneapolis. I am the artist|producer known as ‘speyeskool’ and ‘TheFlyyProfessa’, and my music is available on various streaming platforms including Amazon Music, iTunes Music and Spotify.

I hold a BA in History from DePauw University and a MFA in Writing with concentrations in fiction and poetry from Hamline University. My books are available on the internet. I also hold a PhD with a major in Humanities and Culture from Union Institute and University*, an interdisciplinary doctorate that “focuses on the human condition and explores creative ways to advance social justice, and acknowledges differences in individuals and social groups. The program draws on a variety of humanities fields—social and political philosophy, history, religious studies, literature, and aesthetics—that relate to social justice and cultural differences.” (from Union’s Website)

My minor concentration is Ethical and Creative Leadership.

*Note: Colleges and universities are businesses, and like many other businesses, Union has unfortunately closed. However, the intention, spirit, intellect, potential, and heart that flowed through the people in the PhD program live on through me via my work and the life I’ve been attempting to create.✌🏾

(c) 2025. Lawrence D. Benson. All rights reserved.